So, you’ve gotten into the art of tying people up with rope. Welcome to the club! Being a rope rigger is an exciting, creative, and deeply intimate practice. But as fun as it is to craft beautiful knots and intricate patterns, it’s also a big responsibility. You’re not just making your rope bottom look amazing—you’re also making sure they feel amazing and stay safe throughout the experience. Read on to level up your rigging skills!

1. Learn About Circulation and Nerve Damage

As a rigger, it’s essential to learn the ins and outs of circulation and nerve safety. Rope bondage comes with some real risks. The most important thing to understand is that you can’t just tie someone up and hope for the best.

The risk of nerve damage is real, whether you’re doing an elaborate suspension scene or keeping things grounded. You’ll want to be extra cautious around high-risk areas like the wrists, elbows, and thighs, where nerves are closer to the surface. A little numbness or tingling may seem harmless, but if ignored, it can lead to long-term injury.

To avoid this, familiarize yourself with the common signs of nerve compression and poor circulation—like color changes in the skin, numbness, or if your rope bottom can’t move a certain body part properly. Check in with your bottom throughout the scene to make sure everything feels good. The more you know about anatomy and risk management, the more confident and skilled you’ll become as a rigger!

2. Avoid Placing Rope on Top of Joints

One of the golden rules of rope bondage: don’t put rope directly on joints. It may seem like an easy place to anchor your knots, but joints are delicate areas, and applying pressure here can be a recipe for injury.

When you place rope on or near a joint (think wrists, knees, elbows), you’re risking a combination of cutting off circulation and compressing nerves—double trouble. Instead, aim for tying above or below the joints, where you have solid muscle or bone to work with. This way, your rope bottom will be more comfortable, and you’ll reduce the risk of injury. See our Rope Bondage Safety video for specific safety tips.

As a bonus, it also gives you more control over the aesthetics of your ties. When the rope is neatly placed, the body becomes a canvas for beautiful designs that can really shine—without the risk of harming your bottom.

3. Make an Aftercare Plan

Aftercare is often talked about in the context of the submissive or rope bottom, but here’s a little secret: aftercare is for riggers and dominants, too. Being a rigger takes a lot of energy, both physical and emotional, and it’s important to consider your own aftercare needs just as much as you care for your partner.

Before you even begin your scene, sit down with your rope bottom and create an aftercare plan. Do they need a cozy blanket, some water, or a snack afterward? Maybe a cuddle or quiet time? Or some verbal affirmation? Discuss what you each need to feel good after a scene. Some riggers experience“top drop” and need a little emotional support once the adrenaline wears off. Check out our Aftercare: The Why’s & How’s video for a quick aftercare tutorial.

Aftercare can be as simple or involved as you each need it to be. What’s important is that both you and your rope bottom are taken care of, emotionally and physically, after the ropes are off.

4. Always Bring Safety Shears (Because Things Don’t Always Go as Planned)

You know what’s not fun? Finding yourself in a situation where your rope bottom is in distress, and you can’t untie them fast enough. There are times when your rope will tighten unexpectedly, and sometimes, knots can get a bit tricky to undo. That’s why safety shears are a must-have in every rigger’s toolkit.

These nifty little tools are designed to cut through rope quickly and safely, without risking injury to your bottom. And trust me, if your rope bottom suddenly needs out of those ropes fast—whether it’s for an emergency, pain, or even just discomfort—having shears on hand makes all the difference.

Bonus tip: make sure you know how to use them before you need them! Practice cutting through some old rope, so you can act quickly and confidently if the situation arises.

Speaking of untying, our Exit Strategies: Why Untying Matters video is a great introduction to untying with intention. For many kinksters, untying is like pre-aftercare aftercare, and the way it’s done can have a big impact on the overall feeling of the scene.

5. Learn Alternate Ties—Because Every Body is Different

What works beautifully on one person may not work at all on another. Bodies are unique, and that means you’ll need to adapt your ties to fit each person’s individual needs. One rope bottom might be totally comfortable in a box tie, while another may find it puts too much strain on their shoulders or arms.

It’s a good idea to have a few alternate ties in your repertoire, so you can switch things up if needed. For example, if someone can’t handle a chest harness due to shoulder tension, you might try a waist harness or thigh bondage instead. Being flexible with your ties not only makes you a more skilled rigger, but it also shows that you’re attentive to your rope bottom’s comfort and safety.

6. Check In Regularly—Because Communication is Key

This might seem obvious, but we’re going to say it anyway: check in with your rope bottom regularly during your session. And not just a casual “you good?”—take the time to really make sure they’re comfortable both physically and emotionally. Are the ropes feeling too tight? Do they need a shift in position? Are they enjoying themselves, or is something starting to feel off?

Checking in isn’t just about keeping things safe, though that’s a huge part of it. It’s also about maintaining the emotional connection between you and your rope bottom. A quick “How are you doing?” or “Does this still feel good?” can go a long way in keeping the energy positive and the experience enjoyable for both of you.

Remember, bondage is an intimate experience, and communication is what keeps that things running smoothly. Be open, be attentive, and most importantly—listen.

Conclusion

Being a rigger can be an amazing way to embrace your power in kink—but remember, with great power comes great responsibility. It’s your job to ensure that your rope bottom not only looks stunning but also feels safe, comfortable, and respected throughout the entire process. By learning about circulation and nerve safety, avoiding rope on joints, bringing safety shears, and learning alternate ties, you’re setting yourself up for success.

And don’t forget—aftercare isn’t just for the bottom, it’s for you too. Keep the communication flowing before, during, and after your scene, and you’ll create a bondage experience that’s both thrilling and safe.